Poll: Majority of Iranians Support Nuclear Deal Due to Misconceptions

Results from a recent poll indicate that the majority of Iranians support the nuclear agreement between Tehran and world powers, but part of the situation stems from their misconceptions about the immediate lifting of all U.S. sanctions. On Wednesday, September 18, the French news agency reported on a recent poll conducted by IranPoll in collaboration with the University of Maryland, which states that 76% of Iranians who participated in the poll support the Vienna nuclear agreement. However, this level of support may be overstated, as it appears that Iranians have misconceptions about the deal, particularly believing that the nuclear agreement is synonymous with the rapid lifting of international economic sanctions. In fact, the United States and other members of the 1+5 group have only agreed to lift those sanctions that were imposed in response to Iran's nuclear program, not all sanctions against the Islamic Republic, as other sanctions were imposed due to what has been termed Iran's support for terrorist groups or its interference in regional issues, and these sanctions will remain in place. The poll also shows that 56% of Iranians are unaware that Iran has agreed to limit its nuclear research, and 77% believe that sanctions will be lifted before the verification of Iran's nuclear program occurs. At the same time, the majority of Iranians expect that this agreement will lead to better access to imported medicines and medical technology, an increase in foreign investment in the country, and consequently a reduction in unemployment rates within a year. This report reflects the statements of Ebrahim Mohseni, a member of the International and Security Studies Center at the University of Maryland, who emphasizes that the high expectations of Iranians from the nuclear agreement may lead to their disappointment. He states that if Iranians gain a better understanding of Iran's commitments under this agreement, and especially if this agreement does not lead to a rapid and tangible improvement in their living conditions, it is possible that support for this agreement among Iranians will decline. This poll was conducted via telephone from August 8 to 18, with a participation of one thousand individuals.